Hezbollah vows new phase in war as Israel claims Hamas leader, Sinwar, killed

JERUSALEM — Hezbollah vowed to launch a new phase of fighting against Israeli forces Friday, following Israel’s announcement that its troops had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.

Sinwar, the chief architect of last year’s brutal attack on Israel that ignited the ongoing war, was reportedly killed in a chance frontline encounter with Israeli forces.

His death could shift the dynamics of the Gaza war, even as Israel continues its offensive against Hezbollah along the northern border with Lebanon and maintains aerial bombardments across Lebanon.

According to U.S. News, both Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran, which hailed Sinwar as a martyr who could inspire further resistance against Israel.

Israel had pledged to dismantle Hamas politically in Gaza, and killing Sinwar was a top military goal.

Though Hamas has not officially commented on the Israeli claim, photos allegedly taken by Israeli soldiers show a man believed to be Sinwar partially buried in rubble with a severe head wound.

A statement from a senior Hamas political leader abroad appeared to reference Sinwar’s death, stating that Israel is mistaken if it “believes that killing our leaders means the end of our movement and the struggle of the Palestinian people.”

Bassem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member usually based in Qatar, said that past leaders had been killed, but “Hamas each time became stronger and more popular, and these leaders became an icon for future generations to continue the journey towards a free Palestine.”

Read more: Israel reportedly bombs Gaza areas declared safe zones, as Palestinian death toll nears 18,000

He acknowledged that it was “painful and distressing to lose beloved people, especially extraordinary leaders,” but emphasized the group’s belief in eventual victory.

When asked if the statement confirmed Sinwar’s death, Naim declined to directly answer.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a speech announcing Sinwar’s killing Thursday night, stated, “Our war is not yet ended.” Despite this, many—from the governments of Israel’s allies to weary residents of Gaza—expressed hope that Sinwar’s death might pave the way for peace.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations honored Sinwar, emphasizing that he died on the battlefield, contrasting him with Iraq’s former leader Saddam Hussein, who was captured while hiding.

“When U.S. forces dragged a disheveled Saddam Hussein out of an underground hole, he begged them not to kill him despite being armed.

“Those who regarded Saddam as their model of resistance eventually collapsed,” the statement said.

“However, when Muslims look up to martyr Sinwar standing on the battlefield — in combat attire and out in the open, not in a hideout, facing the enemy — the spirit of resistance will be strengthened,” he added.

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